STAR – a wonderful contribution to our community: Mayor

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams today praised STAR Community Services for 25 years of “wonderful contribution” to the Redlands Coast community.

Cr Williams said STAR was one of the most recognisable community organisations on Redlands Coast and continued to play a vital role within the community.

“STAR Community Services has come a long way since its formation in 1996. This month marks 25 years of wonderful contribution to the Redlands Coast community,” she said.

“STAR General Manager Patsy Wilshire and her management team and the STAR Board can certainly be proud of their achievements to date, and their ongoing role in improving the quality of life for our elderly and disabled residents.”

In 1996 the then Redland Shire Council recognised that a large percentage of older people and people with disabilities in the Redlands did not have convenient and affordable transport services available to them.

In response, the Special Transport Assistance Redlands Association Incorporated – STAR – was established.

“Boasting an original 10 drivers and three office staff, the aim was to provide a quality, affordable transport service locally,” Cr Williams said.

“STAR has been doing this – and so much more – for the past 25 years. They have touched thousands of families and made life that little better for many thousands of seniors and disabled people.

“From the initial 10 drivers they now have a fleet of 73 vehicles supporting those with limited transport options, providing transport and care services to more than 8500 community members, with the support of almost 200 volunteers.

“STAR’s ever-expanding list of services now includes NDIS and Disability Support Services, a range of aged care services including community transport, home care packages, in-home companionship care, respite care, home maintenance and modifications and seniors wellbeing services.

“In addition to Redlands Coast, STAR is now servicing areas in Logan City, Gold Coast, Darling Downs and Ipswich.”

Volunteering Redlands is the volunteering arm of STAR Community services. More than 800 volunteers and more than 53 community organisations work in partnership with council, other community groups and institutions to drive volunteerism on Redlands Coast.

“If the true measure of a community is how it cares for its most vulnerable then Redlands Coast measures highly indeed, thanks in part to the dedication, compassion and friendly smiles of all involved with STAR Community Services,” Cr Williams said.

“For 25 years, they really have shone among our brightest of stars and thoroughly deserve our community’s heartfelt gratitude for making a difference.”